Report No. 48 of 1996 Date: 6 December 1996
This report includes: A) Burundi, Rwanda, Zaire and Tanzania B) Liberia and Sierra Leone C) Angola.
>From P. Ares, Chief, Programming Service. Available on the Internet at WFP Home Page http://www.org/wfp, or by e-mail from HicksDeb@wfp.org (fax 39 6 5228 2837). For information regarding resources, donors are requested to contact Mr. F. Strippoli or Ms. A. Blum, WFP Rome (telephone 39 6 5228 2504 or 5228 2004).
PART I - HIGHLIGHTS (Details below in Part II)
A. EAST AFRICA: REGIONAL OPERATION FOR BURUNDI, RWANDA, ZAIRE AND TANZANIA
1. Eastern Zaire a) WFP and other UN agencies maintain presence in the towns of Goma and Bukavu, but access to surrounding areas limited. b) Humanitarian agencies reach Uvira from Bukavu 3 December, marking first UN visit since evacuation of staff in October. Uvira markets reported functioning; commercial traffic on the escarpment road described as normal. c) UNHCR/WFP attempted mission to Sake and Minova area unsuccessful due to security problems near Sake. Distribution of WFP high-energy biscuits to returning refugees at way stations at Sake, Mugunga and Kulungu continues. d) No authorisation received for direct airlift from Entebbe to Kisangani. Situation in Kisangani unclear, but reported unstable.
2. Burundi a) WFP continues attempts to increase food reserves in Burundi by exploring possibilities of moving food and fuel from Kigoma via the lake to augment present road transport. b) WFP mission to provinces of Gitega, Rutana and Ruyigi, origin of most Burundian refugees recently fleeing to Tanzania, reports continued tension; several communes described as almost completely empty. c) UN evaluation mission to Cibitoke confirms that large numbers of returnees continue to arrive from Zaire. d) Medical supplies for Action Contre la Faim brought to Bujumbura from Nairobi on Hercules flight organised by WFP. 3. Rwanda a) Another 28,000 returnees cross to Rwanda from Zaire during the week; more arrivals from Zaire expected. b) Since start of distributions of food assistance to returnees on 16 November, WFP and NGO partners have distributed 6,200 metric tons (as of 6 December), representing 380,000 monthly rations. c) Currently 2,210 metric tons of food are pre-positioned for the returnee programme; deliveries from WFP regional stocks are being stepped up. d) Measures taken to prepare for the arrival of returnees from Tanzania.
4. Tanzania a) Joint statement issued by UNHCR and the Government of Tanzania announces that all Rwandan refugees in Tanzania are to return to Rwanda by the end of the year; Government gives assurance that repatriation programme is to be carried out in an orderly and humane manner. Tanzania currently hosts 530,000 Rwandan refugees. b) Refugees continue to arrive in Kigoma region from Burundi. WFP dispatches additional blended food to increase supplementary feeding programmes in the region.
B. LIBERIA AND SIERRA LEONE
1. Liberia a) WFP food is given to disarmed soldiers as demobilisation process continues. b) Demobilisation begins in Voinjama, where hundreds of displaced persons and Liberian refugees from Guinea have returned following the deployment of ECOMOG troops. c) Support provided by WFP to Red Cross and UNICEF food-for- work projects to improve sanitary conditions in internally displaced shelters in Monrovia, and to NGO partner CCC in Tubmanburg for a similar project.
2. Sierra Leone a) Peace accord is signed by Sierra Leone President Ahmed Kabbah and RUF rebel leader Foday Sankoh. b) WFP will end general food distributions by 31 December, to focus on resettlement and rehabilitation programmes. c) Some 25,000 returnees in Pujehun district receive WFP return packages through World Vision and CCSL. d) Assembly points for disarmament and demobilisation of RUF combatants identified. USD 1.5 million received towards total Government demobilisation programme needs of USD 35 million.
C. ANGOLA
1. Update a) DHA Flash Appeal to donors issued in Angola on 21 November to cover UN requirements for demobilisation programmes. WFP requirements are 18,700 metric tons of food commodities. b) UNAVEM to begin withdrawal by the end of the year. c) Security situation calm except for ambushes late November.
PART II - DETAILS
A. EAST AFRICA: REGIONAL OPERATION FOR BURUNDI, RWANDA, ZAIRE AND TANZANIA
1. EASTERN ZAIRE - information as of 6 December
1.1 Although UN agencies, including WFP, now have a presence in the towns of Goma and Bukavu, access to the surrounding areas is limited. On 3 December, humanitarian staff were finally able to reach Uvira from Bukavu. This represents the first visit that UN agencies, including WFP, were able to carry out to the Uvira area since their evacuation in October.
1.2 The UN/NGO team that visited Uvira on 3 December met with the de facto authorities and were able to visit the town. While some WFP local staff were still in place, the WFP Office had been completely looted, as had the temporary warehouses. Access to the port was denied; however, the two cranes were reported to be more or less intact. Uvira town was reported to be very calm: markets had re-opened and were reasonably well supplied. Commercial traffic on the escarpment road was reported to be normal. No refugees were seen on the road.
1.3 Following reports of some 40-50,000 refugees moving from the Minova area (17 km south of Sake on the road between Goma and Bukavu) towards Goma, a UNHCR/WFP mission tried to visit the Sake/Minova area on 28 November, accompanied by Lieutenant General Baril, head of the multi-national force, but was forced to turn back to Goma when bursts of gunfire were heard on the road close to Sake. Agencies were denied access to Minova on 29 November. Distribution of WFP high-energy biscuits to returning refugees at other road-side way stations located at Sake, Mugunga, and Kulungu, which started on 29 November, continued throughout the week.
1.4 WFP has been waiting for authorisation from the Zairian authorities to conduct an airlift directly to Kisangani from Entebbe. So far, clearance has been given only to fly via Kinshasa, an unfeasible route given the vast distances involved. 95 metric tons of WFP food remain on standby at Entebbe airport.
1.5 WFP staff in Kisangani report that the security situation is unstable. A number of agencies have recently evacuated or reduced the number of their international staff.
2. BURUNDI
2.1 WFP food reserves in Burundi continue to be depleted as distributions outstrip imports. Meanwhile, WFP is pursuing all possible solutions to the problem of moving food and fuel to Bujumbura on Lake Tanganyika from Kigoma, Tanzania. Only by opening up this route will WFP be able to deliver the 2,500 metric tons authorised by the Regional Sanctions Coordinating Committee, which is needed to feed the growing number of internally displaced persons and returnees.
2.2 Most Burundians who have fled to Tanzania since the beginning of November originated in the central and eastern provinces of Gitega, Rutana and Ruyigi. A WFP mission to that area during the week found continued tension, with several communes almost deserted. Burundian refugees in Tanzania now number some 190,000, larger than the Burundian population of the Uvira camps before the Eastern Zaire crisis.
2.3 During November, according to UNHCR figures cited in a DHA report, a total of 59,000 returnees crossed to Burundi from Eastern Zaire. This included 15,377 who passed through the Gatumba transit camp and approximately 44,000 who went directly to Citiboke province from Zaire. The WFP Burundi Country Director joined a UN evaluation mission to Cibitoke, and found that large numbers of returnees continue to arrive in Cibitoke and are camped along the main north-south road.
2.4 Insecurity continued to affect much of the country during the past week. In addition to the on-going insecurity in Rutana, Ruyigi and Cankuzo provinces, the WFP sub-office in Ngozi reported that problems continue in Kayanza and Muramvya provinces and in the north of Gitega province.
2.5 WFP Burundi caseload totalled 135,997 last week, of which 73,119 were beneficiaries of emergency relief distributions. A total of 24,765 people benefited from the WFP returnee package from 25 November to 1 December, 3,444 spontaneous returnees in Cibitoke province and 1,269 returnees at the Gatumba transit site (Bujumbura Rural province).
2.6 WFP organised a flight by a C-130 Hercules transport plane carrying 15 metric tons of medicines for Action Contre la Faim to Bujumbura from Nairobi. This quantity is in addition to the 52 metric tons of medicines carried by WFP trucks from Tanzania for various humanitarian agencies since the beginning of November. 3. RWANDA
3.1 The general security situation in Rwanda is calm and stable. However some incidents were reported at commune level.
3.2 More than 550,000 refugees are estimated to have returned to Rwanda from 15 to 30 November. Registration by local authorities currently in process to determine exact numbers.
3.3 Some 28,000 returnees came back to Rwanda from Zaire during the week of 27 November to 2 December, 24,000 via Gisenyi, 3,500 via Cyangugu and 500 via Kibungo. Further arrivals from Zaire are expected.
3.4 Distributions are currently on-going in all prefectures of Rwanda. They are generally implemented at the commune level, with the exception of Umutara, Kibungo, Butare, Gikongoro and Cyangugu where, due to low repatriation, the returnees receive assistance in transit centres at the prefecture level.
3.5 From 16 November, when distributions of food aid to returnees started, until 6 December, WFP and NGO partners distributed approximately 6,170 metric tons, which represents a total of 1,600,000 weekly rations or 380,000 monthly rations. In most communes monthly rations are provided.
3.6 The number of Zairian and Burundian refugees in Cyangugu prefecture has decreased due to repatriation. Currently, there are 400 Zairians (from Uvira) and 2,600 Burundians (from Cibitoke) in Cyangugu camps.
3.7 A total of 2,212 metric tons of food are pre-positioned for the returnee programme (equivalent to 571,071 weekly rations). The overall WFP stock position in the country stands at 7,805 metric tons (equivalent to 1,570,000 weekly rations). Deliveries from WFP regional stocks to Rwanda are being stepped up to cover the increased distribution needs.
3.8 WFP is taking necessary measures to prepare for the arrival of returnees from Tanzania. Prefectures which are expected to receive the most returnees are Kibungo, Byumba and Butare. Food is being pre-positioned at commune level with the assistance of NGOs. WFP staffing is being strengthened and logistical capacity augmented in these prefectures.
3.9 Stocks of biscuits are also in place in areas expected to receive further returnees. Stock levels presently stand at 364 metric tons with 54 metric tons due to arrive shortly. The total is equivalent to 1,671,264 daily rations. Way-stations have been identified for distribution alongside the roads.
3.10 The WFP short-haul trucking fleet operating in Rwanda now numbers 39 trucks (7 x 7 metric tons capacity and 32 x 15 metric tons capacity). An additional 16 trucks (15 metric tons capacity) are expected to arrive in the coming days. WFP is currently looking into possibilities of increasing its short- haul fleet further due to the expected arrival of returnees from Tanzania. These trucks are used country-wide to assist in the food distributions at the commune level.
3.11 In order to facilitate the reintegration of returnees, the WFP Country Office is planning a massive expansion of food-for-work activities in Rwanda. Within a month an increase of up to 30 per cent is anticipated in some areas.
3.12 Food prices at local markets have risen in several areas of Rwanda. Some increases are due to crop failures and some to increased population because of massive repatriation. Further information on this issue will be available following the joint FAO/WFP crop and food supply assessment mission which started on 2 December.
4. TANZANIA
4.1 A joint statement has been released by UNHCR and the Government of Tanzania confirming that all Rwandan refugees in Tanzania are to return home by 31 December 1996. The message, addressed to all Rwandan refugees in the country, states that the United Republic of Tanzania has decided that all Rwandan refugees can now return to their country in safety. The Tanzanian Ministry of Home Affairs will coordinate the repatriation operations, assisted by the Tanzanian police force and, where necessary, the army. The Government of Tanzania has given its assurance that the repatriation process will be carried out in an orderly and humane manner. Tanzania hosts some 530,000 Rwandan refugees.
4.2 Influxes continue on a large scale into Tanzania's Kigoma region. Kigoma has witnessed the arrival of approximately 102,000 new refugees since 1 November, bringing the overall population to 146,682 (approximately 116,000 Burundian refugees, 27,000 Zairians and 3,600 Rwandans). Influxes in the past few days have been predominantly from Burundi, where ethnic conflict is forcing increasing numbers to flee their homes. Burundian refugees arriving in Tanzania are in a poor nutritional state and WFP has despatched additional quantities of blended food to the region in order to increase supplementary feeding programmes.
B. LIBERIA AND SIERRA LEONE
1. LIBERIA
1.1 In the period 22 November-4 December, a total of 3,144 soldiers were demobilised. The total included 845 boys, two girls and 44 women. WFP has distributed over 75 mt food commodities to disarmed soldiers at the 8 operational demobilisation sites. 1.2 Demobilisation activities began on 1 December in Voinjama. Hundreds of displaced persons and Liberian refugees from Guinea have returned to Voinjama following the deployment of ECOMOG troops in the area at the end of November. Demobilisation has not yet started in Bo-Waterside or Greenville.
1.3 The UN Security Council has extended UNOMIL (United Nations Observer Mission in Liberia) until 31 March 1997. UNOMIL has been working closely with ECOMOG and the international humanitarian community during the demobilisation process.
1.4 The Greenville-Zwedru highway was opened last week by ECOMOG, enabling the safe travel of soldiers to Greenville for demobilisation. Demobilisation at Zwedru (Grand Gedah County) has been slow with only 79 fighters disarmed. Fighters have apparently requested a briefing on demobilisation by faction leader George Boley.
1.5 ECOMOG troops have been deployed to Tapeta, Nimba County. Troop presence is expected to create a buffer zone between National Patriotic Front of Liberia (NPFL) and Liberian Peace Council (LPC) factions.
1.6 WFP November distribution to 244,079 displaced persons in 36 shelters throughout the country is scheduled to be complete on 6 December. As part of an effort to improve sanitary conditions of internally displaced person shelters in Monrovia, WFP is supporting Red Cross and UNICEF projects, including latrine construction, though food-for-work.
1.7 WFP, through implementing partner CCC, is also supporting a food-for-work environment clean-up project in Tubmanburg. The project, which will include women, ex-combatant and civilian participation, will create an employment-based safety net for vulnerable groups while improving sanitary conditions in the town through the removal of debris and litter.
2. SIERRA LEONE
2.1 President Ahmed Kabbah and Revolutionary United Front (RUF) rebel leader Foday Sankoh signed a peace accord on 30 November in Abidjan. The agreement follows five years of civil war which have resulted in some 10,000 deaths. A commission for the consolidation of peace, made up of the Government of Sierra Leone and RUF members, is coordinating the details of the peace process in Abidjan.
2.2 Mechanisms are in place for the commencement of WFP resettlement and rehabilitation programmes throughout Sierra Leone by 1 January 1997. WFP will complete the last general food distributions by the end of December, which will then be replaced by targeted feeding programmes (resettlement and vulnerable group feeding). Surveys are on-going at each internally displaced persons site to identify food aid needs among vulnerable households. Resettlement assistance is being coordinated, and plans to expand NGO activity in rural areas in support of resettlement are being discussed.
2.3 WFP, through implementing partners World Vision and CCSL, has distributed return packages to more than 25,000 returnees in Pujehun district. Last week more than 8,000 former RUF captives were released in this district, on the orders of RUF leader Sankoh prior to the signing of the peace accord.
2.4 Kenema, Makeni, Bo and Mile 38 have been identified as assembly points for the disarmament and demobilisation of RUF combatants. The Government has signed accords with Africare (Kenema), ARD (Makeni), Evangelist Fellowship of Sierra Leone (Mile 38), and CRS (Bo) to assist in the reintegration of demobilised soldiers. A total of 2,000 soldiers are expected to be hosted in each of the camps, for a total caseload of 8,000. WFP is finalising its demobilisation plan in coordination with the Government's demobilisation programme, which was released at the end of November in Freetown. The cost of the Government demobilisation programme is estimated at USD 35 million. Funding received towards the project to date amounts to USD 1.5 million.
C. ANGOLA
1. UPDATE
1.1 Demobilisation of under-aged soldiers continues at a slow pace. Through 2 December, 629 under-aged soldiers from Vila Nova, N'Gove, Negage and Londuimbali Quartering Areas (QAs) were demobilised. Four additional QAs are expected to begin demobilisation on 10 December (Catala, Cahicuma, Andulo and Chitembo). It is hoped that demobilised soldiers from all eight QAs will be transported home before the end of the year.
1.2 A DHA Flash Appeal was issued in Angola on 21 November to cover the UN requirements for the demobilisation process until such time as all camps are emptied. WFP appeals to donors for 18,692 metric tons of food commodities to cover food requirements to Selection and Demobilisation Centres and QAs.
1.3 WFP has made a further appeal to donors for 96,033 metric tons of food commodities required for the period March 1997 - February 1998 to continue assistance to 700,000 displaced and war-affected persons.
1.4 A WFP-led mission to Likua and Jamba (Kuando Kubango) at the end of November found no immediate requirements for additional food aid.
1.5 Results of a MSF-Spain and CARE nutritional survey in Quilengues (Huila) and a MSF-Spain survey in Uige both showed improved nutritional conditions among vulnerable populations in these areas.
1.6 UN Secretary-General Boutros-Ghali on 19 November announced the withdrawal of four UNAVEM infantry and support units (600-700 persons) by the end of December 1996. UNAVEM is expected to withdraw all 7,000 troops from Angola by 8 February, when their mandate expires.
1.7 The overall security situation in Angola is reported as calm by the UNAVEM Huambo regional headquarters, however several ambushes throughout the country were reported at the end of November.
(End WFP Emergency Report No. 48 of 1996 - December 6, 1996)
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